This winter, millions of pensioners face paying twice as much to heat their homes as they did a year ago, while the value of their pensions has increased by just three per cent in that same time period.
Thankfully, there is help in place for older Brits to keep their houses heated in the form of the Winter Fuel Payment - which is larger this year to help pensioners tackle the spiralling cost of living.
These heating payments are not a handout but an entitlement that all people over a certain age, and resident in the UK on the right date, will receive automatically - but it is worth checking if you meet the requirement for automatic payment.
Anyone who qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment will also get the Government's Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, getting up to an additional £300 to help keep down energy bills.
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Will I get the Winter Fuel Payment?
Anyone born on, or before, September 25 1956 is eligible to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, though people born on the same date in 1942 or before will get slightly more.
However, this is not the only factor in qualifying. You must also be resident in the UK in what is known as "qualifying week", which this year is the week commencing September 19.
If you are in the country on any day between September 19 and 25, while being the correct age, you will qualify for both payments.
Can I still get the Winter Fuel Payment if I am not in the country?
Anyone who is outside of the UK on holiday, or living abroad, during that week, can apply to receive the Winter Fuel Payment - so long as they meet the following criteria.
- You were born on or before 5 October 1954
- You live in Switzerland or a European Economic Area (EEA) country (except for Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain)
- You have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK - this can include having lived or worked in the UK, and having family in the UK
- You’re covered by the Withdrawal Agreement
You will not receive a payment if you live in some countries, as their winters are not cold enough. Those countries are: Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain.
Will I get it automatically? When will it be paid?
Anyone who receives the State Pension will automatically get the Winter Fuel Payment without having to make a claim.
Additionally, any qualifying claimants of any other social benefit like Housing Benefit, Council Tax reductions, or Universal Credit, will also get the payment direct into their accounts.
The vast majority of claimants fall into these categories and so should get this payment automatically. The Government currently plans to roll out the payment in November and December, but you will receive a letter before then telling you how much you will get.
If you do not get a letter or money before January 13, you can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
How much will the Winter Fuel Payment be this year?
Just for the year 2022/2023, the government will be adding between £150 and £300 to all Winter Fuel Payments, depending on the personal circumstances of the claimant.
As a minimum, everyone born after September 26 1942 will receive £250 as their Winter Fuel Payment.
If you live with another person who qualifies, this will take a total of £500 off your winter heating bill.
If you live alone and qualify for the payment, you will receive a single payment of £500.
People born before September 26 1942, living alone, will receive £600; while those who live with others will get £300.
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